George R. R. Martin congratulates HUGO awards finalists and bemoans death of John Prine

George R. R. Martin has been keeping busy for the past few weeks. Ever since the Coronavirus outbreak began people around the world have been in self-quarantine. Martin too has been in one but he has been more productive than ever. In his own words, he has been writing daily and looking to finish The Winds of Winter soon. Now he has some new updates for his fans. Read on to find out more!

In the latest post on his Not a Blog, Martin has bemoaned the death of American folk singer-songwriter John Prine.

Martin wrote:

“Just heard on the news that John Prine has died from the coronavirus.”

He went on to add about what a miserable year it has been.

“What a miserable day.  What a miserable month.  What a miserable year.” 

Martin also warned fans about the Coronavirus and didn’t want to take it lightly.

“Take care of yourselves, friends.  This virus is no joke.”

On a more positive note, Martin congratulated the finalists of Hugo Awards finalists. The Hugo Award is widely considered as the premier award in science fiction.

Martin wrote:

“Congratulations to all the finalists… and condolences to all those who did not make the ballot.   Take some consolation in the knowledge that much fine work gets overlooked every year.”

Martin also believes that Hugo Awards is a great accolade as it is chosen by the fans. He wrote:

“The Hugo Awards remain the greatest accolade that our field has to offer. One of the reasons is that it is an award chosen by the members of worldcon, the World Science Fiction Convention, the granddaddy of them all. By fans, in other words. By YOU, if you like.”

Martin also said that he was going to host the awards this year but due to the virus outbreak it is going to be held virtually.

“I am still the Toastmaster, as it happens, but I guess that now I am going to be a Virtual Toastmaster.”

It is nice to see Martin in high spirits. In these dark times, we need to take in as much positivity as we can.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!

The Red Wedding year 2020 was a difficult year for everyone across the globe. The world is still battling the consequences of the aftermath, with the UK under complete lockdown. The COVID-19 pandemic was one of the worst scares of the Long Night we faced last year. Health workers all over the world are keeping their life on the line trying to keep people safe. These COVID-warriors are working day and night to prevent further spread of the virus. Game of Thrones stars like Kristofer Hivju beat the infection with the help of these warriors. Emilia Clarke, who played Daenerys Targaryen on the show, extended her support to health workers on Instagram.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @emilia_clarke

The 34-year-old star posted a message of gratitude for the nurses and health care officials who are working hard amidst the pandemic. In the video message, Clarke asserted, “I just want to say a massive thank you to the NHS (United Kingdom National Health Service), everyone who works at the NHS.. from our beloved nurses to the surgeons the doctors, the psychotherapists… Everyone who works there, thank you.”

“In these incredibly frightening times, you are keeping us alive…so thank you.” The actor also asserted about ‘Fair Pay’ and said, “I believe NHS workers should get what they deserve, for doing what they do for us.” Clarke also asked her fans to join in her in demanding fair pay to the NHS workers.

What do you think of Emilia’s gesture? Tell us in the comments below!

Game of Thrones had plenty of social messages hidden in plain sight. Though it may not be too obvious, it was a representation of our own society. According to recent research, the fantasy show is very similar to real-world human interactions. That’s the reason why the show was such a big hit, people could relate to the characters. The series was a big platform to showcase the Domestic Abuse women face behind closed doors. Mother of Dragons, Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen), has come forward in support of them.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @emilia_clarke

Emilia posted a picture on her Instagram with a heart symbol drawn on her hand. She captioned, “This is something I care deeply about, and a problem that is everywhere, but behind closed doors.

For far too many home isn’t a safe place for those living with domestic abuse. I want to reach out and connect to anyone reading this who may feel scared in their own homes during this time.

At home should not mean at risk – we support you. #YouAreNotAlone.

If you or anyone you know is at risk of, or experiencing domestic abuse, you can leave your home to seek refuge. The police will respond to your calls and support services remain available.

Call 999 if you are in immediate danger. If you can’t speak and are calling from a mobile, listen to the operator and, when prompted, dial 55 to be connected to the police who will help.

If you suspect a neighbour or someone you know is currently experiencing domestic abuse please do call 999 and let them take the situation forward.”

It’s time to raise our voices against the issue. Tell us how we can curb the violence in the comments below!

Even though the year 2020 has ruined so many holidays for us, we can’t let go of the festive mood. Christmas is around the corner, and it’s time for cakes, cookies and presents! Festivals are one of the few occasions that strengthen the bonds of a family. It seems like singer Joe Jonas is already a step ahead, gifting his wife Sophie Turner an early Christmas present. The Game of Thrones star was really happy about it and proudly showed it off on Instagram.

Joe gifted her a T-shirt covered in throwback photos of singer and actress Miley Cyrus. The top is emblazoned with the words ‘Hannah Montana’. It features photos of Cyrus both in character as the Disney icon Hannah, who she played between 2006 and 2011, and as herself after she had shed her Disney image.

“Thanks to the Hubbs of the year for my early Christmas gift,” Turner wrote alongside a photo of herself posing in her new item of clothing.

They welcomed their baby daughter Willa in July this year. Sophie has got a tattoo tribute to her daughter. She has the letter W inked on her wrist below the J she already had for her husband.

Send your best wishes to Sophie and her cute little family in the comments below! Merry Christmas to all of you!